Cong kicks off Prez campaign, Mamata still on radar

Even as Pranab Mukherjee is travelling across the country to campaign for his presidential candidature, Congress managers have started another poll exercise to ensure votes for him.

Even as Pranab Mukherjee is travelling across the country to campaign for his presidential candidature, Congress managers have started another poll exercise to ensure votes for him.

State-wise meeting of Congress chief ministers or leaders in state assemblies, MPs, general secretary in-charge and other party functionaries kicked off on Friday under instructions of party president Sonia Gandhi.

“We are explaining our voters the presidential poll process and even providing dummy ballots,” parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal told Hindustan Times.

Leaders from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan were called for meetings. “We are also getting feedback on support from smaller parties and independents from the states. As of now, we are confident about at least 65% votes,” Bansal added.

Efforts are also on to bring Trinamool Congress boss Mamata Banerjee on board. On Thursday, Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal met her in Kolkata and is believed to have given suggestions on how Bengal can tap central funds through different schemes.